Think of the feeling of the warm sun and cool breeze on your skin as you rinse off under a sheet of falling water. Outdoor showers used to be primarily for beach houses and pools, but today they are a luxe feature for all homes, thanks to a campaign to save water and make living spaces seamlessly transition to the outside. Outdoor showers: From a soothing home spa to a shared family cleaning station, here’s all you need to know to bring back this high summer classic.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about adding an outdoor shower at home, including planning and design considerations, how to install your shower, and design inspiration, as well as how to maintain your outdoor shower.
About Outdoor Showers
They have been around for a long time Images of outdoor showers are in fact older than we tend to think. Being first embraced in homes near the beach to help people rinse off sand and saltwater, they have since transformed into a flexible extension to any home. In addition to their practical features, they bring an extra dimension of grace and elegance into your home, providing distinct advantages such as:
- Easy Clean: Shake off mud after gardening, swimming, work or at the gym before entering your home.
- Eco-Cnscious Pursuits: Cold water showers are an ecofriendly way to keep cool this summer without using power.
- Better Looking: The contemporary outdoor showers fit in beautifully with the landscape, giving your back garden or yard a touch of class and beauty.
If well thought out and imaginatively designed, an outdoor shower can transform your home, feeling like a link to nature.
Planning and Preparation
Proper planning is essential before making the plunge on an outdoor shower. Here’s how to help make sure your project goes smoothly.
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Permits and Regulations
Begin by looking up local zoning and building codes. Plumbing work, and the installation of fixtures such as outdoor showers, may require permits in some areas. You might want to check with your local municipality to avoid hiccups later.
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Selecting a Location
Function and privacy are important reasons for picking the right spot. Try to find something that is easy to get to and set up, but has some privacy. Some popular locations are near the pool, garden or off of a master bathroom.
If privacy is an issue, opt for natural barriers — a hedge or fence — or plan to install enclosures or screens for extra privacy.
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Drainage Considerations
You want good drainage to avoid water pooling, which can harm your yard or cause slips and falls. You could go for French drains, gravel beds or one of those chic modern drainage systems that will drain moisture straight to your plants.
Design and Material Choices
Designing your dream shower is where the fun starts. Its strength and beauty will only be as good as the materials and the layout in which it was installed.
Choosing Materials
- Wood: Teak and cedar are known for being weather-resistant and long-lasting to create a timeless, rustic look.
- Metal: For a modern, minimalist look that is also resistant to corrosion, stainless steel or brushed aluminum would be good choices.
- Stone: If you want a luxe, natural feel, choose slate, river rock or travertine.
- Green Options: Choose Bamboo, Reclaimed Wood, or Recycled to minimize your impact on the carbon cycle.
In selecting materials, homeowners not only want to opt for something that resists weather, for example, but also make sure it matches the house and landscape they already have.
Shower Fixtures
Choose durable, all-weather ceiling fans, which can stand up to outdoor environments. Wall mounting is perfect in tighter spaces, while freestanding models can provide a full 360 degree shower.
Installation Process
It is crucial that your outdoor shower is installed correctly to last! This is what you need to install.
Connecting the Plumbing
Outdoor showers can simply be hooked up to your current indoor plumbing or to an outdoor hose. A plumber may be necessary for a permanent year-round installation.
Installing a Drain System
Include proper drainage to direct water flow. A sloped, paved or concreted slab for drainage, a filled trench of pebbles, or piping for accepted sewage are all common choices.
Setting Up the Water Source
Many outdoor showers use cold water, but it isn’t that hard to do a hot water connection. After all, tying into your home’s own hot water line or plugging in the small, solar-powered heater, can supply hot showers — outside under the sky.
Add-ons for Comfort and Style
- Elevate your al fresco shower experience with these thoughtful upgrades.
- Hot Water Systems: All you need during these colder months is hot water!
- Enclosures and Screens: For maximum privacy, go with handsome enclosures of frosted glass, wood slats or bamboo dividers.
- Landscaping: Frame your al fresco shower with plantlife, pot plants or natural stones for that tropical retreat feel.
Maintenance Tips
In order for your outdoor shower to remain in top condition, you will need to provide some ongoing maintenance.
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Cleaning
Be sure to clean all parts frequently to prevent dirt, mold, or mineral build up. A simple solution of mild soap and water is effective for most surfaces.
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Winterizing
Take precautions to winterize your outdoor shower if you live in a cold climate. Turn off the water, drain the remaining water, and remove fixtures if necessary to help prevent freeze damage.
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Material Protection
Wood needs to be resealed occasionally to withstand moisture, and materials such as metal should be checked for rust or corrosion and treated as needed.
Looking for inspiration? Here are some of the most eye-catching ideas for outdoor showers.
Less is More: A clean, stainless steel showerhead attached to a stone wall, flanked by succulents and cacti.
Jungle Retreat: A natural bamboo room with tropical plants surrounding a rainfall shower head.
Country Chic: A wooden backdrop, old style showerhead and pebble run off is a beautiful country bathroom set up.
Contemporary Retro Oasis: Concrete walls and clean black fixtures with outdoor led lights.
Creating Your Ideal Outdoor Shower
An outdoor shower can do wonders for your lifestyle and your home’s overall mood. Whether you’re finding a place of retreat to connect with nature, looking for a practical solution for outdoor messes or just needing a showstopper landscape feature, the ideas are endless.
A good plan, the right materials, and an iota of imagination you can get a simple outdoor shower that fulfils your needs and contributes to the beauty of your home.
If you’re ready to dive in, follow this guide and soon enough, you’ll be stepping into your own outdoor oasis.
